Classic Martine sets track record at Harrah's

The winners over trot and the PA Stallion Series headlined the harness racing action at Harrah's Philadelphia Thursday as Classic Martine set a track record.

Race ten was the winner's over $25,000 lifetime trot. The wagering public put their faith behind nineteen time winner Classic Martine.

As the wings closed, it was the Ron Burke trainee Quick Deal firing to the top, while the favorite ducked into the pocket. They remained in that order until three quarters, when Opening Night emerged out of third, but his bid was short lived.

In the stretch, Quick Deal and Classic Martine dueled, with Classic Martine narrowly winning in 1:52, a track record for 4-year-old trotting mares. Uncle Peter finished third. Classic Martine is owned by Hauser Bros. Racing, Oakes, Zurich, and Gold, trained by Chris Oakes, and was driven by Tim Tetrick.

There were also four divisions of Stallion Series races for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers, each going for a purse of $20,000.

In the first division, it was Phil Peavyhouse's PV Dragon (Dragon Again-Jin Millie) living up to his favorite status.

At the start, it was long shot Rock Springs (Well Said-Dolphins Can Talk) sprinting away for the lead, arriving at the quarter in :27. Shortly after, driver George Napolitano Jr. sent PV Dragon out of third, forcing the lead change just before the half. He received mild first-over pressure from May I Cruise West (Yankee Cruiser-Maewest Hanover), but kicked away in the stretch, stopping the clock in 1:53.4.

In division two, Kevin Switzer's Letsmakeawish (Western Terror-Dynamite Donna) made it three straight with an easy victory, stopping the timer in 1:54.1. He brushed to the lead just past the quarter, which went in 27.2.

He was unchallenged until three-quarters, when eventual third place finisher Redneckyachtclub (Real Artist-Fast Ruffles) attacked first-over. In the stretch, Letsmakeawish drew clear, holding off a late rally from B Well (Well Said-Ms Amanda B) who went on to finish second. Letsmakeawish is trained by Ron Burke, and was driven by Yannick Gingras.

In the third division, Up Front Racing's UF Larry Alltheway (Dragon Again-Varbo) lived up to his 4/5 favorite status.

Off the wings, it was This Time (Well Said-Finishing Touch) driving for the lead, with the favorite settling into fourth. The fractions were pedestrian (:28.3, :59.3) before things picked up in the back half. UF Larry Alltheway drove up first over, and was on even terms with the leader at the top of the stretch, before pulling away under Tim Tetrick taps in 1:54.3 (:55 last half) for the win.

My Hero Ron (Well Said-Erma La Em) rallied for place, while This Time held show. UF Larry Alltheway is trained by Kelly O'Donnell.

In the fourth and final division, Erv Miller trainee Hall Of Terror (Western Terror-Maytime Hall) upset the field for his third career win. At the start, Mcjagersonthemove (McArdle-Grand Fancy) drove up to take the lead, with Cabo Sunshine (Well Said-Make Mine Hall) dropping into the pocket. Just before three quarters, Parklane Eagle (Somebeachsomewhere-River Hanover) moved first over to challenge for the lead.

In the stretch, Hall Of Terror swung off cover, and swept by for the win, stopping the clock in 1:53.1. He is owned by Ervin Miller Stables, Paymaq Racing, R. Michelon, and L. Willinger, and was driven by Marcus Miller.